I just received Ballard mainsprings I ordered from Steve Earle. These have a roller tip and at $35.00 are a very good deal. The spring dropped into the breech block of one of my #3's and works great. I recently ordered one from another source and it was about 3/16 too short and the arc of the spring was incorrect. Nice to know that there is a good source for these springs at a reasonable cost and Steve's service is terrific, as usual.

the roller mainspring is a fantastic upgrade that i have added also. funny they where not standard to begin with. the 1871 remington navy 50-70 rolling block came with a roller spring, but the sporting rifles did not. i put the roller spring on my two no1. sporters too, gives a nice slick feel.kw